Zico: Menezes should not have been sacked

By Callum Fox 2012-11-26 11:56:24 20121126

Reuters

Brazil legend Zico has backed outgoing head coach Mano Menezes and claims that the CBF sacked him far too early.

The fomer Seleção boss was sacked last Friday and already speculation is rife over who Menezes' successor will be with Pep Guardiola, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Muricy Ramalho and Tite all linked to the job.

Zico told reporters: "He left at the wrong time. Usually, a coach has a base on which to work, but Mano started with nothing and had to start almost from scratch. What's important is the World Cup, not friendly matches."

Speaking about the potential candidates, Zico said: "The names linked with the job are actually the ones that have achieved the best results in recent years and it would be a reward for those who began their careers in Brazil."

The Iraq boss, who faced Menezes' Brazil last month in a 6-0 defeat, has also emerged as a potential candidate for the position.